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Fire Pilot Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Memphis, TN · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Memphis, TN · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Memphis, TN · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFire Pilot JobsFire Pilot Jobs in Tennessee

Fire Pilot information

See Tennessee salary details

$44.9K

$118.8K

$182.4K

How much do fire pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire pilot in Tennessee is $118,822.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,800.00 and $140,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire pilot?

Fire Pilots are specialized pilots trained to operate aircraft in support of firefighting operations. They fly planes or helicopters to drop water or fire retardants over wildfires, transport firefighters and equipment, and conduct aerial surveillance of fire zones. Their work is critical in controlling and suppressing large-scale wildfires, often requiring quick decision-making and flying in challenging and dangerous conditions. Fire Pilots typically work for government agencies, firefighting services, or private contractors.

What does a fire pilot do?

As a fire pilot or air tanker pilot, you respond to wildfires by providing water drops, fire retardant, and other fire suppression materials from your aircraft. In most cases, you spend the bulk of your day standing by and waiting to respond to an alert that indicates the probability of wildfire. Depending on probability, you may need to stay on-site or remain within a specified distance of the base. When the call comes, your responsibilities include completing the pre-flight checklist, loading the details in your GPS, and then completing the flight according to the directions received.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a commercial pilot’s license, and specialized training in aerial firefighting operations. Familiarity with aircraft like air tankers or helicopters, navigation systems, and wildfire management protocols is essential. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient support for firefighting teams while minimizing risk during high-stress, unpredictable wildfire missions.

What are some common challenges faced by fire pilots during wildfire suppression missions?

Fire Pilots often face rapidly changing weather conditions, limited visibility due to smoke, and challenging terrain when flying over wildfire zones. Coordinating closely with ground crews and other aircraft is essential to ensure safety and effective fire suppression. Additionally, Fire Pilots must remain vigilant for hazards such as sudden wind shifts, updrafts, and the risk of engine overheating during extended low-altitude flights. These challenges require strong situational awareness, excellent communication skills, and the ability to adapt quickly under pressure.

What is the difference between Fire Pilot vs Firefighter?

AspectFire PilotFirefighter
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Firefighting trainingFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license
Work EnvironmentAircraft, firefighting helicopters or planesFire stations, emergency scenes, buildings
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, aerial firefighting companiesMunicipal fire departments, rescue services

Fire Pilots operate aircraft to combat wildfires from the air, requiring pilot licenses and specialized firefighting training. Firefighters work on the ground, handling rescue and suppression tasks, and need firefighting certifications. Both roles are vital in firefighting but differ significantly in work environment and required credentials.

How much do fire pilots get paid?

Fire pilots, also known as aerial firefighters, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. They often require specialized training and certifications, such as a commercial pilot license and firefighting qualifications, which can influence salary levels.

Is it hard to become a fire pilot?

Becoming a fire pilot requires extensive training, including obtaining a commercial pilot license, gaining experience in aviation, and often specialized wildfire or aerial firefighting certifications. The process is demanding and competitive, requiring strong flying skills, safety knowledge, and physical fitness.
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For Fire Pilot jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Fire Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Pilot job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,822 per year, or $57.1 per hour.

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Air Evac Lifeteam

Nashville, TN • On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Description:

We invite you to join a team of highly skilled emergency medical experts, pilots and mechanics!
Our mission of providing care to the world at a moment‘s notice is at the heart of everything we do. We are caregivers, first and foremost, and we will be there when you need us.

This posting is for multiple Visual Flight Rules (VFR) positions, we have many other opportunities available! By applying through this posting, we are able to move your application to the open location of your choosing. This is not a Float Pilot position.

Starting Salary Range: $87,019 – $95,720

Up to 30% geographic modifier, depending on location

15K Sign on Bonus
40K Retention Bonus after 3 years

On Duty Housing at all locations

7/7 Schedule at most locations

JOB SUMMARY

Ensures all operations involving Company aircraft are in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations, Air Evac EMS Operations Manual, and all state and municipal regulations.

  • Operates the aircraft in a safe and efficient manner, with emphasis on compliance with the Rotorcraft Flight Manual
  • Monitors forecast changes and current weather situations
  • Conducts preflight of the aircraft prior to starting shift and/or accepting transports or flights. Preflight will be conducted utilizing the appropriate rotorcraft flight manual. Discrepancies noted during the pre-flight will be noted in the engineering log with a notification to maintenance of the discrepancy and what corrective action is being taken
  • Reports to his/her shift rested and prepared for duty and stays current of weather and forecast changes


QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

2000 hours total flight time
1500 hours helicopter time
1000 hours helicopter pilot in command
500 hours turbine
100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours unaided with 100 hours aided
Previous HAA experience or equivalent – preferred
Education and Credentials:


Rotorcraft-Helicopter Commercial Certificate
Rotorcraft-Helicopter Instrument Rating

High school diploma or equivalent
Other:

230-pound weight limit dressed in flight suit and boots

Upload your Pilot License and FAA Medical Certificate

Global Medical Response teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services around the world. We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare solutions and disaster response.

This is an evergreen role with no anticipated close date.

EEO Statement:

Global Medical Response and its family of companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes supporting veterans and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with a disability. Pilots

More Information about this Job:

Check out our careers site benefits pageto learn more about our comprehensive benefit options, which include medical, vision, dental, 401k, disability, FSA, HSA, EAP, vacation and paid time off.

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